Westchester 'Honor Flight' Gives Vets A Chance To See The Capitol

An Honor Flight took off from Westchester County Airport Saturday morning with 69 veterans headed to Washington D.C. Mission 16 took 42 World War II Veterans and 27 Korean War Veterans to see their service memorials. Most of the travelers were from Westchester; others were from Orange County, Rockland County, Bergen County, N.J., and Fairfield County, Conn.

Honor Flights give local veterans the chance to travel to D.C. to see the nation’s capital, and the war memorials there, and know they are not forgotten heroes, but loved and respected by their country.

Hudson Valley Honor Flight, which was founded in 2012, alternates flights between Stewart International Airport and Westchester County Airport.

Among the veterans on Mission 16 is a member of the legendary Flying Tigers, as well as a man who witnessed the raising of the U.S. Flag on Iwo Jima from the base of Mount Suribachi. One of the Korean War veterans is a Holocaust survivor who fled the Nazis at 19. There will also be veterans of multiple wars in attendance.

Also among the veterans was former White Plains Mayor Joseph Delfino, traveling with his daughter Cynthia.

Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino welcomed and thanked the 69 veterans and their companions.

The flight, an Airbus A- 320, left at about 8 a.m. A welcome home reception is scheduled upon arrival at 8:30 p.m.

Hudson Valley Honor Flight is a chapter of the National Honor Flight Network mostly serving veterans in the Orange, Ulster, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Sullivan and Pike. World War II veterans are given priority because of age, but allowances are made for veterans of later wars who are in failing health. Veterans travel for free; the cost is paid for with donations. If you know of a veteran who would like to participate, the number to call is 391-0076, or go to the website.